What Documents Do You Need for Probate? (And the Mistakes That Cause Delays)
- Probate & Estate Support Hub
- Apr 27
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
When someone dies, one of the first questions is:
“What do I actually need to submit for probate?”
On the surface, it looks simple.
But in practice, I’ve seen thousands of probate applications submitted — and many delays aren’t caused by complicated legal issues… They’re caused by small, avoidable document mistakes.
This guide walks you through:
What you actually need
What people commonly get wrong
And how to avoid delays
Watch: What Documents You Need for Probate
Before applying for probate, it’s important to understand exactly what documents are required — and what isn’t. In this video, I explain the key documents needed and the common mistakes that can cause delays.
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The 3 Core Documents Most Applications Rely On
At a basic level, most probate applications come down to:
The death certificate
The original will (if there is one)
The probate application itself
That sounds straightforward. But this is exactly where many people run into problems — often without realising until after they’ve submitted.
The Most Common Mistake: The Original Will
The Probate Registry expects the original will.
One of the most common issues I see is people taking the will apart to scan or copy it. They:
Remove staples
Separate pages
Then try to put it back together
This is usually done with good intentions. But from the court’s perspective, it creates uncertainty. They can’t be sure that nothing has been removed or altered — which can lead to delays or additional checks.
Death Certificates (Foreign Documents Catch People Out)
If the death certificate is not in English, you’ll need an official certified translation. Not a basic translation — it must meet formal standards.
This is something people often only realise after submitting, which stops the process while it’s corrected.
Sending Too Much Can Slow You Down
A common misconception is:
“I’ll include everything just in case.”
In most cases, this is the wrong approach. You generally do not need to send:
Bank statements
Routine valuations
General supporting paperwork
Unless specifically required.
Sending unnecessary documents can actually slow things down by making the application harder to process.
Executor Changes: A Frequent Cause of Delays
If anything has changed with the executors, you must include the correct forms.
For example, if an executor is not acting, a renunciation form is required. If this is missing, the Probate Registry will raise a query — delaying the application.
Small Details That Trigger Big Problems
Some of the most common issues come from small oversights:
Codicils (amendments to the will) not included
Multiple wills (e.g. UK and foreign) not submitted together
Submitting old versions of a will instead of the latest one
Names not matching across documents
These details often seem minor — but they are exactly what trigger queries from the Probate Registry.
Applying by Post: Practical Mistakes to Avoid
If you’re submitting a paper application:
You must include the application fee, which is payable by cheque
Many people don’t have cheque books anymore — so you may need to arrange one via your bank or the Post Office
And importantly - send documents using a guaranteed delivery service. You’re sending original documents — including the will — and losing them would create a much bigger problem.
If You Need to Complete an IHT400 (More Complex Estates)
Most estates don’t require a full inheritance tax account. But if you do need to complete an IHT400, additional documents are often required. This is where more mistakes tend to happen. You may need:
Property valuations (for taxable estates)
Valuations for higher-value items (e.g. antiques, collections)
The correct supporting schedules
Full copies of documents such as a Lasting Power of Attorney (including all pages — even blank ones)
Real Example: A Costly Oversight
I’ve seen cases where people arranged a proper RICS property valuation — but forgot to submit it. HMRC then referred the valuation to the District Valuer. They ended up having to justify their own figures — creating unnecessary stress and delay. All of that could have been avoided by including the document at the start.
The Key Principle Most People Miss
The forms themselves will guide you on what’s required.
The real problem tends to be missing something important, or sending far more than is necessary. Both lead to delays.
The Main Takeaway
It’s not about sending everything you have.
It’s about sending exactly what’s required — and nothing that isn’t.
Because most probate delays I see are entirely avoidable.
Related Guides
For more information related to this guide, you may also find these helpful:
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Frequently Asked Questions
What documents are needed for probate in England and Wales?
Most probate applications require the death certificate, the original will (if there is one), and the probate application. Additional documents may be required depending on the estate, particularly if inheritance tax forms need to be completed.
Do I need to send the original will for probate?
Yes. The Probate Registry requires the original will. You should not remove staples or alter the document, as this can raise concerns about whether pages are missing and lead to delays.
Do I need to send bank statements or valuations with a probate application?
In most cases, no. Bank statements and routine valuations are not usually required unless specifically requested. Sending unnecessary documents can slow down the process.
What happens if an executor does not want to act?
If an executor chooses not to act, they must complete a renunciation form (PA15). If this is not included when required, the Probate Registry may raise a query and delay the application.
Do I need a certified translation of a foreign death certificate?
Yes. If the death certificate is not in English, you must provide an official certified translation that meets the required standards.
What additional documents are needed for an IHT400?
Additional documents for an IHT400 may include property valuations for taxable estates; valuations for high-value items; supporting schedules; and full copies of documents such as a Lasting Power of Attorney. The exact requirements depend on the estate.
Can sending too many documents delay probate?
Yes. Including unnecessary documents can slow down processing by making the application more complex to review. It is important to submit only what is required.
How should I send probate documents by post?
You should use a secure postal method such as Special Delivery. You are sending original documents, including the will, and losing them can cause significant delays and complications.